These were actually notes that I made whilst considering a property investment in Altinkum, but relates a lot more to the amenities and suitability of Altinkum as a holiday destination. The attraction of Altinkum to tourists is of course a large part of determining the potential incomes through holiday lets. I found this whilst clearing out old data sticks, and felt that it deserved publication as a guide to help people decide whether or not a holiday in Altinkum is for them. For obvious reasons I have omitted the financial stuff, and will probably just add a section giving an overview of property prices and rental prices, as well as the cost of living. For now, this hub is just a very good guide to what Altinkum has to offer those seeking some leisure time. Altinkum is located to the western part of Turkey on the Southern Aegean Coast. It is positioned in a lovely bay backed by some gently rising hills.

The climate is typically Mediterranean, ranging from around 13-15 degrees Celsius in the winter and to upwards of 30 degrees Celsius in summer. Turkeys coastal waters gave us the word Turquoise for their glorious colour, Altinkum translates to ‘Golden Sands’. Altinkum is recommended by the World Health Council due to its lack of humidity, and is good for people with a range of conditions including asthma.

Altinkum has a permanent population of 10,000 with this rising in the peak holiday season with many seasonal workers, 99% of the permanent population of Altinkum is Muslim, much like Turkey as a whole. The patrons of Altinkum are primarily British, but during August it is also very popular with Turks as a holiday destination. This is because every Turkish person has a two week holiday in August.

Altinkum is 80km (Approx 50 miles) North West of the nearest airport at Bodrum, a transfer from the airport to Altinkum can be found for as little as £20 for 1-3 people, and £5 for each additional person. Izmir airport is the second closest airport at a distance of 150km (Approx 93 miles) away from Altinkum, a transfer from the Bodrum airport to Altinkum can be found for as little as £40 for 1-3 people and £10 extra for each additional two passengers.

Early Summer Prices (1st June - 20th July) for flights from Gatwick to Bodrum are as little as £140-£190 return. This rises to around £199-£250 return in peak summer (21st July - 31st August) and falls to between £175 - £230 between 1st September and 30th September. Prices are only slightly higher when flying from Manchester or Leeds, normally around £40 extra for each return ticket.

Altinkum translated pretty much means 'Golden Sand', reference to the fantastic long golden beaches. The beach wraps around the Altinkum bay, effectively forming two separate beaches; there is also a third beach, this is one which is generally a little quieter for those that like to relax and can be just a few minutes walk from the main Altinkum promenade. On both main beaches it is possible to hire sunbeds and/or umbrellas, and the warm sparkling blue waters are perfect for a paddle or swim. You will also find a number of water related activities at your disposal, including windsurfing, jet skis, a banana boat ride, and pedalos.

A number of Boat tours operate from the harbour at Altinkum. One such tour is the ‘Five Island Boat Trip’ which costs £10 and leaves from Altinkum harbour at 10.30am each day, it provides the opportunity to swim, snorkel or just have a drink and sunbathe whilst the boat sails around five islands in the Aegean sea. For just an extra £5 you can have unlimited beer on the five island boat trip and a BBQ lunch is included. Otherwise known as the ‘Lazy Days’ boat trip by some tour agents.

Another Boat Trip available is the ‘Bodrum by Ferry Boat’, a ferry transports you from Altinkum harbour to the city of Bodrum and gives you time to explore Bodrum for the day before transporting you back to Altinkum at the end of the day. This ferry leaves every Tuesday and Friday, departing at 9a.m and returns to Altinkum at 7p.m. This day out can be booked for just £15. One particular attraction of Bodrum is the castle built in 1402 which is built immediately adjacent to the sea, Bodrum castle can be seen in the picture below. It is also possible to take a coach to Bodrum.

There are currently plans to operate a ferry service from Altinkum to the Greek island of Kos, this was due to start in 2007 but has been delayed due to bureaucracy regarding customs. It is however possible to visit both Kos and Rhodes on a day trip from the City of Bodrum, the introduction of the ferry from Altinkum will however cut the amount of travelling from four hours to two and a half hours, thus giving tourists longer to explore these islands.

There are also a number of inland tours available including the popular guided Jeep Safari, which takes you through the scenic countryside around Didum. It travels through a forest of pines, past fish farms, through the Smokey Valley and to the beautiful nature of the Kazikli bay, on the tour you are said to experience the traditional country life of Turkish people. Included in the price of £15 is a meal at Kazikli bay and the opportunity to swim in the blue flag nominated bay. This tour departs every day from Altinkum at 10.30am.

There is also a tour which runs from Altinkum to the capital city of Istanbul, which has an estimated population of 15 million people. The tour will take in a number of the key tourist attractions of the city including the Hagia Sophia: The church of holy wisdom which was once used as a church and then as a mosque by the Ottoman empire. The Byzantine Hippodrome: the centre of entertainment, amusement and sports during the Roman and Byzantine empires. the Egyptian Obelisk, the serpentine column and the German fountain of Willhem II. Other attractions visited are the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the Topkapi Palace and the Suleymaniye Mosque.

Every Wednesday the Soke Market takes place, where it is possible to haggle over anything from livestock to carpets, plus there is the opportunity to have a rub and scrub down at a traditional Turkish bath. After a lunch, which is included, the party visit’s the cosmopolitan town of Kusadasi set on the Turkish Riviera for shopping and more sightseeing. The day is finished by a visit to a jeans factory where the opportunity is given to buy the jeans on offer.

Some tours are over two days, meaning that a night is spent in the relevant destination(s). One such tour is the ‘Double Delight’ tour which visits two wonders of the world. Leaving each Thursday from Altinkum, in the first day you will experience one of the ancient wonders of the world, ‘The Ephesus’. At the end of the day you will stay in a three star hotel on a half board basis before embarking in the morning on a trip to one of the natural wonders of the world ‘Paumukkale’ otherwise known as ‘Cotton Castle’. The tour party will also visit the ancient city of Hierapolis and see the valley of the tombs, the biggest ancient graveyard of the world, it will also be possible to bath in the thermal water of Cleopatra’s beauty pool.

Miletos is said to have "the foremost city in producing great personalities" Thales was born there in 640 BC. The natural philosophers, Anaximander, the famous historian and geographer Hekatios, the town planning architect Hippodomos and isidoros, one of the designers of St Sophia in Istanbul, were from Miletos. Explore Priene for an unforgettable sightseeing experience of River Meander's Delta which used to be the sea about 2000 yrs ago. The temple of Apollo, which is just 5 minutes walk from Altinkum centre, is known because its size and is one of the oldest standing temples.